Here are unforgettable places where you can get the best cocktails in Manila
From a ritzy bar encased in an aircraft to a movie-themed speakeasy, Manila is home to some pretty unforgettable bars to romanticize your after hours. Itching for a good drink after a long day? Here are places where you can get the best cocktails in Manila:
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Assembly Hall's HereAfter
Behind the door of the Administrative Office lies Assembly Hall’s cocktail space HereAfter. The newly opened spot for your after hours is for all types of drinkers—from beginners to connoisseurs. The dreamy space in Makati highlights big booths, high chairs and private nooks, reminiscent of classic pubs. It even gives off that unmistakably romantic Parisian feel, don’t you think?
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Assembly Hall’s signature campfire drink, a nostalgic take on our childhood, gets R-rated with the same drink, but now made with rum, coffee liquor, cold brew and chocolate bitters. Let’s not forget the gooey goodness; it still comes with a toasted homemade marshmallow!
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 630PM to 215AM (last call)
For more details, follow Assembly Hall on Instagram.
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ReCraft
We’re definitely in our element at New Manila’s best-kept secret: ReCraft. It’s an intimate cocktail bar on top of Craft Coffee, situated along Broadway Avenue. Choose from expertly curated craft cocktails like the Gold AF, New Manila, Whorechata, Bikini Bottom and bespoke drinks made to your liking.
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Don’t drink with an empty stomach! Choose from light yet flavorful pica-pica like the Truffle Parma Pizza and Okonomiyaki Fries.
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 6PM onwards
For more details, follow ReCraft on Instagram.
OTO
Your day-to-night itinerary in Poblacion isn’t complete without OTO, named as one of Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2019. There’s something for everyone, from their classics to their signatures, and modern classics with a twist. Choose from their perfectly balanced crowd-favorites since day one: Smoke & Coffee, Bee’s Knees, Burning Love and #Religion Black.
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Feel like enjoying their cocktails in the comfort of your home? You can also order online! And have OTO as a week-long companion with the See You Soon Kit, which contains two bottled cocktails, two bottled coffee and exclusive OTO merchandise.
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 11AM to 1AM, and Friday to Saturday, 11AM to 2AM
For more details, follow OTO on Instagram.
The Spirits Library
Poblacion’s The Spirits Library—a purveyor of rare bottles, books and bar paraphernalia—is a must-visit. You’ll feel like you’re in another dimension with the speakeasy bar’s towering shelves filled with bottles of liquor.
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Feel like enjoying a good night of music while sipping your go-to drink? Spend after hours with friends at The Spirits Library for Jazz Night and Blues Night! And have you ever wondered what a Burlesque Night is like? We’ve got the full details here.
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 6PM to 3AM
For more details, follow The Spirits Library on Instagram.
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Bank Bar
Spot a 7-Eleven? Then you’re probably in the right place. The expertly hidden, modern top shelf drinking den from The Moment Group is perfect for a nightcap. They offer one of the largest selections of spirits, liquors and cocktails in the city.
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Choose from Bank Bar’s house classics, from the Pink Slip to Pinay Colada, and twisted classics, like the Wonka Martini and Smoked Amaretto Flip.
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 5PM to 1AM
For more details, follow Bank Bar on Instagram.
BAR by EAST
Located at Lamp Quarters in Marikina, Bar By East is a flexible office space in the morning and a social cocktail bar at night. The intimate space, which houses the Emerging Architect Studio, is pleasantly comfortable and homey. Play your favorite records while drinking your go-to cocktail!
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Crowd-favorites include the Bear by East (yes, those are gummy bears!) and Dappled. PSA: They serve mocktails, too!
Operating Hours: Sunday, Tuesday to Thursday, 5PM to 12AM and Friday to Saturday, 5PM to 2AM
For more details, follow Bar by East on Instagram.
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Did we miss any of your favorite cocktail spaces in the metro? Leave them in the comments below!
Header Images Assembly Hall’s HereAfter and ReCraft
Art Pis Trinidad
